Tiny Art Galleries

Kate Wildrick, April 11, 2024

Art is an incredible vehicle that encourage people to connect, collaborate and inspire themselves and others from the ideas within. As we get started with the Prosperity Private Club this year, we have intentionally been making room for artists of all ages and experience levels to come and participate in sharing their dreams and work in the space. In saying that, one of our members shared a post on social media highlighting tiny art galleries. Apparently, there are two in the county that we reside in. These structures are found in areas where pedestrians walk by. (They resemble those spaces that hold little libraries and mini food pantries for people to take and leave items to share with others in the community.) My family and I were honestly delighted with the idea of working with a tiny gallery space to call forward artists and create mini exhibits as ways to engage and build connection and community.

In looking at what we had on hand to work with, I returned to an art project I had done many years ago. This piece of furniture was a small table that had a glass door that opened up to a storage area. Over the month or so that I worked on it, I had mindfully painted images of the four changing seasons on the legs and the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly along with a honey bee on the three panels. It had been sitting idly in storage for several years. However, in retrieving and dusting it off, it made its debut as the third official tiny art gallery in the county.

As we set it up, we then put out the word to do some art an appetizers to paint mini canvases to fill the space. Those who joined us had a marvelous time making art and placing it into the tiny exhibit. What we learned through the process is that for many, art can be intimidating. When we look out into world and see all sorts of creative expressions, many compare their abilities and talents to others. What is often overlooked is the importance of the artistic process. The act of picking up a paintbrush, crayon, or molding and shaping clay is an attempt to connect with what lives and resides in us. Art is a vehicle to express that. It does not have to be perfect in order to generate an experience of creativity or wonder. What it does do is help us to connect with the things that we may not often have words to say.

In creating this tiny art gallery, what we are enjoying is the infinite potential of what can be invited to be brought into this little space. From bringing and leaving items, to calling forward exhibits around different causes or purposes, we are imaging what this little space will hold as it morphs and changes over the years. It has been a true delight to have and engage with. In saying that, we hope that it will inspire you too!

Tiny Art Gallery Challenge

You too can create a tiny art gallery. From a shoebox, to an old cabinet, there are many ways that you can make your own tiny gallery. We encourage you to see what you can design and come up. After you establish it, explore what kinds of exhibits you and others can create. From making a dynamic, changing exhibit space, or one that is set up for a while to highlight a specific action or cause, there are many ways in which you can work with this tiny space to generate big ideas.